(Jewish Group) 'Anti-Semitism Has Become Mainstream': NYC Orthodox Jews Face Surge of Violence
Mendel was on the phone outside his Crown Heights yeshiva dorm, talking to his family back in Australia, when he suddenly felt a blow to the head. It was so strong it knocked him to the floor and sent his glasses and yarmulke flying.
I felt tremendous pain, the 22-year-old Melbourne native recalls. My dad heard me screaming on the phone. It was a terrifying moment.
Mendel, who asked that his last name not be published, says he got up and unsuccessfully chased one of his assailants, with the police arriving soon after. He hopped into a patrol vehicle in an attempt to track down the aggressors, who hadnt even tried to steal anything from him.
Weve all been hearing about these things, Mendel tells Haaretz, its been going on for decades. But for it to happen to you that definitely came as a shock. It's a reality no one wants to accept until it happens to them, he adds, several weeks after the incident took place overnight on January 30.
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